Legislation Relating to Safety Jackets in Cars

On February 13, 2008, the Inter-Ministerial Committee for Road Safety (CISR) decided to make it compulsory for all vehicles to carry a safety jacket or warning triangle starting July 1, 2008, in line with numerous other European countries that have already implemented this measure.

Why was this measure introduced?

The aim is to improve the safety of drivers who find themselves in an emergency situation, making them more visible to other road users when exiting their vehicle and ensuring that vehicles that have broken down or have stopped as a result of an emergency are equipped with improved signage.

Use of safety jackets

Safety jackets, which must comply with current legislation, must be worn by drivers before exitingtheir vehicle, which must be stationary either on the hard shoulder or on the side of the road. Jackets must comply with Council directive 89/686/CEE dated December 21, 1989 relating to the standardization of legislation by member states with regard to PPE (personal protective equipment). The marking "C E" on the jacket, as well as the presence of an instruction notice, bear witness to the jacket's compliance with legislation in force.

Use of the warning triangle

The warning triangle should be carried on board all vehicles. Drivers must position it on the road surface immediately upon exiting the vehicle at a distance of at least 30 meters from it or from the obstacle in question.This triangle must be in full compliance with Geneva regulation #27 currently in force. The marking below bears witness to the triangle's compliance with current legislation:

Don't forget: If your vehicle has them, you must use your hazard lights when stopped on the shoulder.